The body lies in the grip of affliction, the surgeon’s knife has done its work, and the soul trembles at the threshold of eternity. Yet hear: whether we be afflicted, it is for comfort and salvation. The same suffering that racks the flesh is appointed to work patience, to purge the inward man, and to open ears that have been deaf to the call of God. This very trial is not a mark of abandonment, but a close pressing of the Savior’s yoke, which is easy and light only to those who bow beneath it. Do not therefore measure His love by the sharpness of the pain, but by the purpose hidden within it, the salvation of a soul and the awakening of a whole household.
Cease from frantic anxiety and lift up the heart in that silent prayer which no man hears but God alone. Even Moses cried out without voice, and the Lord said, “Why criest thou unto Me?” So now, in the midst of hospital rooms and beeping monitors, you may collect yourself and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody in your heart to God. This is not a matter of moving the lips, but of raising the mind with heedfulness. Let the brother who fights for breath, if he is able, and let all who watch by his side, turn inward and cry, “Lord, save me!” For the true hymn of the faithful is “Glory to God in the highest,” and this is perfected in the crucible of suffering.
Consider, too, the peril of delay. Many say, “Tomorrow I will repent, tomorrow I will seek baptism, tomorrow I will amend my life,” and that tomorrow never dawns. The hearer who put off salvation to his latest breath often found the door shut. Let not this man, nor any of his family, treat this nearness to death as a thing to be endured and then forgotten if health returns. Now is the acceptable time. The word has been heard: Christ taketh away the sin of the world. What madness to refuse such a gift! If it is possible to be washed clean without our own labors, why do we cling to the soiled rags of our own righteousness? Run to Him who stretches out wounded hands, even from the cross, and do not say, “I will wait until I am stronger,” for strength comes through taking His yoke.
Yet do not despair. How many have heard the Gospel ten times with indifference, and afterward, by one sharp blow of affliction, have been brought to fruitful repentance! It is not that single stroke that works the change, but all the preceding words of grace, stored up and at last breaking through. Perhaps this man has heard and seemed insensible; but God, who sees the root, knows that the soil has been prepared. Even at the vestibule of hell, recovery is possible. The thief on the cross entered Paradise in a single hour. So pray with steadfast hope, not against enemies, not bargaining with God, but casting yourselves upon His mercies. For our hope for you is steadfast, knowing that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so shall you be of the comfort.
Therefore, let the whole family hear the word as if God Himself were exhorting them. In this dread moment, do not merely listen as to a man, but receive the invitation of the Most High. The way is narrow, and it demands not only freedom from riches but a careful hearing, a continual recollection, fortitude, and deliverance from all worldly entanglements. Christ has shown the way and the rock; build your house there. Commend the sufferer and yourselves to the God of all comfort, who delivered the apostles not only by His mercies but by the prayers of the faithful. Cry out to Him without ceasing, and whether He restore this man to temporal life or take him to the eternal bosom of Abraham, you will find rest for your souls.